The Richmond News, Dec. 26, 2025

Louis Dehn Jr.

Louis John Dehn Jr., 68, a resident of Lexington, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Louis was born Sept. 5, 1957, in Marshall, the son of Louis John and Elsie (Lynn) Dehn Sr. He was united in marriage to Betty Hill of Lexington in 1997. She survives of the home. Additional survivors include one son, Brent (Melissa) Zeller of Pittsburg, Kan.; two daughters, Christina (Jeff Johnson) Long of Richmond and Melissa (Anthony Perry) Johnson of Lexington; and three brothers, Fred (Iva) Dehn, Robert (Dorothy) Dehn and Terry (Diane) Dehn, all of Richmond. Still other survivors include 19 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mary Harvey of Sibley and Rose Marie (Phil) Varner of Odessa.

Louis served his country proudly as a U.S. Marine. He joined the Marine Corps right out of high school with his best friend, Michael Jennings.

Louis was a retired pilot whose love of flying defined much of his life. He took great pride in his profession and remained committed to honing his skills, continually furthering his education and expanding his knowledge of aviation.

Outside of flying, Louis enjoyed boating, fishing, spending time with his family and reading. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made in his honor to the First Baptist Church of Henrietta. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. until the services at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Henrietta. Burial with military honors will be provided by the Ray County Veterans and the Marines in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville.

Please visit www.thurmanfuneralhome.com to leave memories of Louis for the family.